Former Real Madrid forward Antonio Cassano has blasted Napoli for picking AC Milan’s Noah Okafor on loan rather than pursuing Ademola Lookman of Atalanta.
Early in the winter transfer season, Napoli sold Kvaratskhelia to Paris Saint-Germain for an estimated €75 million, ending their relationship.
Antonio Conte’s team was severely weakened by the departure as the Serie A powerhouses tried to stay competitive for the championship.
However, they brought in Okafor on loan as a replacement for Khvicha Kvaratskhelia until the end of the season.
 "‘A huge mistake’ - Real Madrid legend slams Napoli for picking Okafor over Lookman 1")
The 2013 AFCON hero pointed out that Chelle has a squad filled with talented players who are capable of turning things around.
 "‘A huge mistake’ - Real Madrid legend slams Napoli for picking Okafor over Lookman 2")
The Super Eagles have taken to social media to relive the moments against Angola in the AFCON 2023 semis.
Cassano hits out at Napoli
Cassano has supported Conte’s annoyance with Napoli’s strategy in the market in an interview with Viva El Futbol via IlNapoli.
Former Real Madrid forward Antonio Cassano || Imago
He said, “I agree with what Conte said: either someone arrives who makes the difference, or it’s better to stay as is.
“I don’t know what Napoli’s philosophy is now, but I’m convinced that the coach has an idea: with a player of a certain level, you win the championship.
Napoli manager Antonio Conte || Imago
“Already in a press conference a few days ago, Conte was irritated because no one had been signed, and he’s right.
“In February, no one imagined that Napoli would be first, without conceding too many games, and what do you do? You take €75 million from Kvara and buy Okafor on loan. For me, it was the wrong strategy.”
Noah Okafor. (Photo Credit: Milan/X)
The former Italy international contended that Napoli ought to have triggered Lookman’s €55 million release clause.
Cassano continued, “So I say… you took 75 million, Lookman’s release clause (even if he’s injured now) is 55 million… you give them Raspadori and you take a ready player who makes the difference, knows Serie A, and Inter should be afraid.
Ademola Lookman for Atalanta || Imago
“A huge mistake not to take a high-level player to replace Kvara. In my opinion, the club thought that arriving in the top four was a miracle and next year you can spend a nest egg. Conte will be poisoned.”
Lookman has been an outstanding player for Atalanta but he is presently out due to a knee injury.
The Super Eagles player is expected to return late in February and he might be crucial to Atalanta’s end-of-season run.
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